This antique Malayer rug represents a weaving tradition that has almost vanished. Such pieces were not produced from formal naqshas but were created spontaneously at the loom, emerging from the weaver’s subconscious and from a deep reservoir of inherited visual memory. The designs reflect a synthesis of ancestral teachings and personal imagination, giving rise to archetypal symbols and remarkably intricate detail.

In this rug, the central floral motif can be interpreted as a stylised lion’s face, a powerful image rooted in Persian symbolism and often associated with strength, protection, and authority. The surrounding field and borders unfold organically, reinforcing the sense of movement and intuitive balance that defines early Malayer weaving.

Woven in wool on a cotton foundation and preserved in mint condition, this rug is a rare and authentic example of a deeply expressive village tradition, one that speaks quietly yet profoundly to collectors and lovers of genuine tribal art.

Material: Wool pile on cotton foundation